OhioCAN (Change Addiction Now), a statewide nonprofit which seeks to educate, embrace and empower those affected by substance abuse, has been hosting Steps of Change for several years. Now, Licking County's subsidiary, Newark Homeless Outreach, will host the county's first.

"Most counties structure it around addiction and stigmatism," Co-coordinator Trish Perry siad. "We are spreading out to the homeless because that's what our passion is here in Licking County."

In addition to a 5K and pancake breakfast, Perry said they plan to have a shoe memorial. Three hundred pairs of children's shoes are intended to represent the children Newark City Schools has documented as homeless. Nearly 148 adult pairs will represent the number established by the most recent Point In Time count by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Forty-two pairs will represent the individuals who died of accidental overdoses in 2018.

The event is intended to serve as a fundraiser for Newark Homeless Outreach. Perry explained if the community doesn't provide them something, she and co-organizer Jen Kanagy must purchase it with their money or through donations.

Perry said money raised through Steps of Change would give them a bit of a cushion so they're not having to purchase so much and they can do a little extra for those in need, such as provide money for a tank of gas for someone to get to their job or $50 to help someone get their electric turned back on.

According to Perry, a lot of people don't understand the homeless aren't down on the Newark square causing a ruckus, doing drugs, and scaring people.

"They're just people who want to have the respect and be left alone on the streets," Perry said. "So these shoes are going to represent those and I think the magnitude of over 500 pairs of shoes sitting on the steps will (be breathtaking) for people that really don't understand what's happening."

Organizers hope the event will not only educate the public, but serve as a way to unite the city of Newark. After issues with Newark's gazebo and the recent removal of homeless camps, Kanagy said Newark feels very divided.

"Hopefully it brings the community together to realize it's everybody's problem," Kanagy said. "Because I don’t know hardly anybody that has not been touched by addiction in some way – or they know or work with someone that’s been touched or lost someone in their family to an overdose."

The event, set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 18 at the Newark courthouse square, will include educational tables, two speakers, games, a 50/50 raffle, gift baskets, prizes, a pancake breakfast, and a 5K run or one-mile walk.

For the 5K, the cost is $25, which includes a T-shirt, pancake breakfast and door prizes. To join the one-mile walk, the cost is $15 and includes a T-shirt and pancake breakfast. Individuals must register by May 4 to receive the T-shirts.

Organizations can display information the highlights the services they offer the community for a $25 fee. There will be no charge for organizations that provide a gift basket for the raffle or a fun game or activity for families attending Steps of Change.

For more information about the event, visit Newark Homeless Outreach's Facebook page or the Steps of Change Facebook event. Those interested in the 5K or one-mile run can find registration forms online at signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/130300.

Contact Trish Perry at 740-405-5682 or Jen Kanagy at 740-504-4787 or email newarkhomelessoutreach@gmail.com for more information.